The two Household Cavalry horses who were most seriously injured after running loose through London are making “remarkable progress”. The other three horses have fully recovered and returned to duty, while the soldiers involved are also making good progress.

The Army issued an update this evening (Tuesday 4 June) in partnership with The Horse Trust, who have been helping rehabilitate the horses following their ordeal. They also shared heartwarming footage (see below) of the horses enjoying turnout at the sanctuary.

“The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR) is pleased to announce that the Life Guards soldiers and five Military Working Horses (MWH) injured in London on 24 April, are continuing to make remarkable progress in their recovery,” they said.

“Three of the horses injured in the incident are now back on duty and, against all expectations, are looking likely to take part in the King’s Birthday Parade on 15 June. The remaining two are recuperating in the country but look set to return to work in due course. Three of the injured soldiers are back on duty and two are continuing to convalesce but are also expected to make a full return to service.”

The Army said the horses’ progress was thanks “in no small part” to the in-house care they’ve received from the Army’s own dedicated veterinary surgeons and the “amazing specialist support” provided by The Horse Trust.

The Life Guards of the HCMR were on their daily morning exercise ride when their horses were spooked by construction rubble being dropped through a plastic tunnel from height close to them. Images of two of the horses, Cavalry Black Trojan and Cavalry Grey Vida, running loose, covered in blood through the streets of London, were seen worldwide.

“Immediately following the incident, all the injured soldiers and horses received expert emergency medical care,” continued The Army spokesman. “The horses were then put under constant supervision by the Army’s expert veterinary surgeons.”

Once MWHs Trojan, Tennyson, and Vanquish were well enough to travel, they were sent for respite at The Horse Trust on 10 and 14 May.

“The benefits of this amazing organisation were soon realised, and after careful assessment the horses were found to be fit to return to London and were collected by HCMR soldiers on 29 May,” they said. “All three are now back on duty.

“The Horse Trust understands the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle for animals to prevent sickness and injury. Returning to work can help facilitate this lifestyle for the horses, ensuring they remain fit, healthy and enjoy long and fulfilling lives.”

On the same day that Trojan, Tennyson, and Vanquish left the Chilterns to return to Hyde Park Barracks, Vida and Quaker – the two most severely injured horses – were pronounced fit to travel and arrived at The Horse Trust for their respite care, having been discharged from veterinary care in London.

“Vida and Quaker have made a remarkable physical recovery and showed great enthusiasm and joy upon their arrival at The Horse Trust, galloping into fresh pastures,” they spokesman continued. “Vida, the Cavalry Grey, wasted no time in turning from white to brown as he rolled in the grass. The horses appeared bright and in good spirits, clearly displaying a close bond with each other and the soldiers who accompanied them.”

They added that the horses will remain with The Horse Trust for as long as they need before being assessed for their suitability to return to work. Onsite veterinary care is available 24/7 to provide any necessary treatment during their stay.

“Both the Army and The Horse Trust have been overwhelmed by the amount of public care and interest in the recovery of the soldiers and horses affected by the incident and would like to thank everyone that expressed their concern and best wishes for a speedy recovery – they look to have been granted,” they added.

Jeanette Allen, Chief Executive Officer at The Horse Trust said it has been a privilege to provide these horses with the space and time needed to fully recover.

“It’s been so lovely to see Trojan, Tennyson and Vanquish enjoying such a relaxing break and now we have Vida and Quaker already loving their time here,” she said. “All five horses are much younger than our regular Service residents and seeing them running, rolling and generally having fun after such a challenging experience, is a real joy.”

Lieutenant Colonel Mathew Woodward, Commanding Officer HCMR said of the two most seriously injured soldiers, one is continuing his recovery at home and the other at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Stanford Hall.

“They are both considered likely to return to military service in the fullness of time,” he added.

Lead image by Shutterstock